In his "Producer's Note" in the beautiful book that is part of the box, Lemieux, who attended the first 10 shows on the tour, states, "To my ears this was the last tour that was consistently great, where every show is excellent, not a dud in the bunch." And Grateful Dead historian Dennis McNally's comprehensive and informative insider's essay in the box is titled "The Last Great Dead Tour." These guys know what they're talking about.

Basically, the band had been on an upward trajectory since Garcia's return to the road in the spring of '87, following his near-death the previous summer. Of course, 1987 was a trip in itself, what with the unexpected mega-success of In the Dark and their first hit single, "Touch of Grey." But the momentum just kept building with each subsequent tour, as Garcia got back up to full speed (and then some!) and the group as a whole was as unified as they had ever been since Brent joined the band in the spring of '79. New original tunes were popping up and the old favorites were imbued with a freshness and spirit that was so uplifting and inspiring. The band was having fun again, and it was downright infectious.

The group's fall 1989 shows-as documented two years ago on the Formerly the Warlocks box (two shows from Hampton, VA, 10/8-9/89) and on the 2001 release Nightfall of Diamonds (a single night in NJ, 10/16/89)- kicked the energy level up another couple of notches, as the band reintroduced such loved classics as "Help on the Way" > "Slipknot!," "Attics of My Life," "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Dark Star."

And when the band hit the road in mid-March 1990, they had a bunch of other cool tunes to lay on their unsuspecting crowds, including the return of "Loose Lucy" (last played in 1974; it's not on this box), Brent's "Easy to Love You" (missing since 1980), a rollicking cover of the Rolling Stones' "The Last Time," The Band's "The Weight" (with all four singers taking a verse each) and a lyrically retooled "Black-Throated Wind" (absent since 1974), which elicited huge cheers every time it was played.

Over these six shows, most of the cornerstones of the Dead's repertoire from the era appear-splendid versions of "Scarlet Begonias" > "Fire on the Mountain," "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider," "Playing in the Band," "Uncle John's Band," "Eyes of the World," "Estimated Prophet," "Truckin'," "Sugar Magnolia," "The Other One," "Terrapin," "Stella Blue," "Feel Like a Stranger," "Bird Song," "Let It Grow," "China Doll," "Box of Rain," "Morning Dew"; you name it. From the fall '89 breakouts come "Help-Slip-Frank," "Attics of My Life" and "Death Don't Have No Mercy." Among the still newish tunes are "Picasso Moon," "Blow Away," "Foolish Heart," "Just a Little Light," "Victim or the Crime," "Standing on the Moon," "We Can Run" and a couple that would get their final plays from the Grateful Dead on this tour-"Built to Last" and "Believe It or Not." There are stirring renditions of "Dear Mr. Fantasy" and "Black Muddy River," rockin' takes on "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "Iko Iko" and the only version of the full "Hey Jude" the band attempted in the modern era. And the "Rhythm Devils" and "Space" jams at the heart of each second set are as noisy-beautiful-scary-funny-intense-mysterious-wild as you'd expect/hope for.

Of course, we understand that some of you may have other favorite shows from this tour you wish were included on this box. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But at 18 discs, this is still the second largest Grateful Dead box (after Europe '72: The Complete Recordings) that's been released, and the non-inclusion of any other shows from the tour definitely does not preclude their future release! But this seemed like a more manageable way to go, while still giving a sense of the tour's amazing depth and breadth.

Besides the discs themselves, Grateful Dead: Spring 1990 has much to offer, including: a gorgeous 60-page hardcover book containing copious color photos by Jim Anderson and Michael Laurentus, unique artwork by Brooklyn-based fine artist Wes Lang, fascinating business letters and communications related to the tour, a detailed historical essay by Dennis McNally, a Producer's Note by David Lemieux and individual show descriptions by Blair Jackson; a reproduction of the Dead's 1990 tour program (printed and sold later in '90, for the fall and Europe '90 tours); tickets and backstage passes of all six shows; a band publicity photo from 1990 by Ken Friedman; Dennis McNally's tour laminate; and reproductions of the colored 8x10 sheets GDTS sent out with hotel, food and other information for each city on the tour.

With recordings made by longtime Grateful Dead recordist and producer John Cutler, mastered by Jeffrey Norman in HDCD, you just know it's gonna sound great-and it does!

So, that's the skinny this time 'round. This box is limited to just 9,000 numbered copies - please note, this is the only time these shows will ever be officially available on CD. There will not be an All Music Edition and single shows will not be available physically. Due to ship out August 31st, we anticipate that this extraordinary set will sell-out, so order your copy today!

If you're looking for more of a bite-sized taste of the '90s, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, a 2-CD set featuring a handful of favorites, will be in stores on September 18th.

Disc 1
1. Feel Like A Stranger [8:12]
2. West L. A. Fadeaway [7:41]
3. Easy To Love You [6:14]
4. Beat It On Down The Line [3:34]
5. It Must Have Been The Roses [6:29]
6. The Last Time [5:40]
7. Picasso Moon [7:07]
8. Don't Ease Me In [3:30]

My disc 2 of 3/19 is cracked. The other 17 discs have been safely transferred to regular jewel cases, though what I gather below we have to send the whole set back to get replacement discs. Unbelievable. Oh well maybe they can replace my wrinkled 1990 tour booklet too.

My box was ordered together with another copy, one my buddies and one mine, shipped in the same package. His box number is somewhere in the 1400's, while mine is #7222. These are being distributed randomly.

I recieved my copy of the box with no issues. Everything inact. Nothing broken or missing. Each disc uploaded onto iTubes with no issues, even though some of the labeling submitted by those who got theirs first is all over the mark. I relabeled everything chronologically on my account.

Fisrt thoughts: Barely scratched the surface of listening and so far, it's among the best sounding recording released to date. The extra goodies, the outer and inner box designs are really nicely done. The two books look cool.

I give this an A+ all the way around for quality product and smooth and prompt service!

How long do we have to wait for the rest of the tour to be released? Hopefully sooner than later!

Like I did with the E72 box, I'm going to listen chronologically. The last show is the one from this set I attended. Looking forward to the 6 show journey. I'll eventually listen to Daves Picks Volume 3 now that I finally recieved my copy, just to mix things up a little bit.

Just received mine today.... I didn't do Europe '72.... but this one is worth every penny!!!! They are making this feel as special as that time in our history was -- right down to the packaging. This thing is loaded with bells & whistles and you guys really pulled this off top notch - Bravo! I threw in the first disc and it took me back to exactly as I remembered it to be. I'm sure the remaining shows are just as stellar and look forward to enjoying this for years to come. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! A volume 2 - as suggested in the materials would be good. Not to throw ideas your way, but a Solder Field box set would go a long way as well. Just saying... Peace.

Just received mine today.... I didn't do Europe '72.... but this one is worth every penny!!!! They are making this feel as special as that time in our history was -- right down to the packaging. This thing is loaded with bells & whistles and you guys really pulled this off top notch - Bravo! I threw in the first disc and it took me back to exactly as I remembered it to be. I'm sure the remaining shows are just as stellar and look forward to enjoying this for years to come. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! A volume 2 - as suggested in the materials would be good. Not to throw ideas your way, but a Solder Field box set would go a long way as well. Just saying... Peace.

It's amazing how 3 weeks ago, we didn't even know there would be a new Box Set. Now here we are, and it's in our hands. And it's a beauty. Everything is top quality- outstanding job on this one. Thank You!

In place of the first disc from the 3-19-90 Hartford show I have disc one of 3-22-90 Copps Coliseum show!I need to get a replacement copy of the FIRST DISC from the 3-19-90 Hartford CT show.everything else is great!

The first Dead I listened to was Without a Net, and I really love that sound. I like the synths and MIDI stuff. This set is amazing, and I am glad that Rhino figured out that there are about 10,000 Deadheads around the world who will buy just about anything they put out. The backstage passes are suitable for framing, and the books are filled with great stories and photos. Luckily none of my discs are busted, but the outside was banged up a little. I would not be surprised if some of the packages got some rough handling during shipping. #6201, but I would never sell this set anyways. Thanks to all involved who still keep these great releases coming. As one of the 10,000, I'm sure this won't be the last transaction!!!

The first Dead I listened to was Without a Net, and I really love that sound. I like the synths and MIDI stuff. This set is amazing, and I am glad that Rhino figured out that there are about 10,000 Deadheads around the world who will buy just about anything they put out. The backstage passes are suitable for framing, and the books are filled with great stories and photos. Luckily none of my discs are busted, but the outside was banged up a little. I would not be surprised if some of the packages got some rough handling during shipping. #6201, but I would never sell this set anyways. Thanks to all involved who still keep these great releases coming. As one of the 10,000, I'm sure this won't be the last transaction!!!

This is the gold standard that all future box sets will be compared to! And my order still shows as "being processed".I phoned customer service yesterday and they said it might ship next week. Imagine my surprise when it turned up with the postman today. This set is gorgeous and I haven't even gotten around to the music yet! Way to go DL. Rock on.

This drives me crazy - when I rip a show to Apple Lossless the format of the disc changes so it's hard to put a whole show in queue - wicked frustrating.
Shows that were good:
1990/03/16 Capital Centre Landover, MD
1990-03-26 Knickerbocker Arena • Albany, NY
Hartford has two discs starting with the name and one with the date, same of Copps.
Nassau and The Omni do the venue, city/state, date, disc #

This is the gold standard that all future box sets will be compared to! And my order still shows as "being processed".I phoned customer service yesterday and they said it might ship next week. Imagine my surprise when it turned up with the postman today. This set is gorgeous and I haven't even gotten around to the music yet! Way to go DL. Rock on.

They were on fire on every show in the box.
I think this is much stronger than any of the 89 shows that have been released (including the Warlocks box).
Bought it for the music, and was not disappointed.
Sound quality is outstanding.
Only complaint is that they could have fit most of the shows on 2, instead of 3 CDs.
Book and bonus materials are great, although I would have liked a music only option.
Still, this is one you've gotta have.

In response to the previous question, Denon CD/DVD players usually include HDCD decoding capability... have had good luck with them.

They were on fire on every show in the box.
I think this is much stronger than any of the 89 shows that have been released (including the Warlocks box).
Bought it for the music, and was not disappointed.
Sound quality is outstanding.
Only complaint is that they could have fit most of the shows on 2, instead of 3 CDs.
Book and bonus materials are great, although I would have liked a music only option.
Still, this is one you've gotta have.

In response to the previous question, Denon CD/DVD players usually include HDCD decoding capability... have had good luck with them.

USPS delivered 581 to me today. I ordered first day available when I got the email in the morning eastern standard time. FWIW, the number plate looks different than the video of #1 - not sure if scratched or not. Looks like the corner was dropped, but so far the cds look ok. Ripping it now to Apple lossless so I can stream via Sonos so my whole house can rock!!!

Have a question on HDCD, does anyone have recommendations for a good quality CD or DVD player that has the HDCD capability? Would like both analog and digital out too. Prefer CD, but DVD will work too.

Sending the whole set back might just prove to be an exercise in futility. I just e-mailed Dr.Rhino as Marye suggested. It is with trepidation that I will be sending my set back. I already spent the evening scanning each disc for errors and it doesn't seem that UPS beat my package up either. It would be redundant to send the whole thing back for one disc in my opinion.I just want one disc exchanged. Maybe they are looking at a way to write these defected sets off off as a loss but hopefully not at the customers expense. I purchased everything that Dead.net has offered since before Rhino took the releases over. As long as this is handled swiftly and without adding more variables for further mess-ups Ill keep supporting the releases.However based upon the experiences I've read with other customers when dealing with DR.Rhino I think they are going to make this much more complicated. There are still companies out there that are willing to do right by the customer and I hope Rhino uses them as an example. I mentioned in my email that Mosaic a smaller company dealing with limited edition numbered jazz box sets, would have the replacement in the mail Monday Morning, No questions asked. If i remember, it seems that different people got different remedies when they were having problems with the EU72 sets and I guess some still have not at all if I am reading correctly.
I just hope they don't punish us by making it harder than it has to be. After all its not our fault these types of things are constant with the Rhino releases.

The second is what they want me to mail back instead of sending a replacement disc.

As I said earlier, I was one of the "lucky" ones who got the E72 box. And I am still waiting to receive the customization for it (I did receive the box and music - but no number, no labels, no personalization as paid for).

Now maybe they used a jackhammer to push the disc into the holder. But obviously there is no quality control on this "limited edition".

I did receive an email from support sending me a label to send the entire box back.

I have a wee problem with this solution. I have yet to receive the personalizations, labels, unique number etc. from the E72 box I ordered early that Rhino Corporate promised me after I had exhausted all possible scenarios with "support" during the last fiasco. Which, for most of us is why we bought that set in the first place. So instead, the "simple" answer is mail back this box while I wait on a replacement??????? Really?

Is it too difficult to send one disc? The solution is I have to box up the entire set and WAIT to receive a replacement set, which you have yet to completely fulfill from my last boxed order of 1/21/11 ???

The discs are NOT numbered. Why can't it be as simple as - send me your broken disc 2 of 3/22/90 while we send you the replacement??

I did receive an email from support sending me a label to send the entire box back.

I have a wee problem with this solution. I have yet to receive the personalizations, labels, unique number etc. from the E72 box I ordered early that Rhino Corporate promised me after I had exhausted all possible scenarios with "support" during the last fiasco. Which, for most of us is why we bought that set in the first place. So instead, the "simple" answer is mail back this box while I wait on a replacement??????? Really?

Is it too difficult to send one disc? The solution is I have to box up the entire set and WAIT to receive a replacement set, which you have yet to completely fulfill from my last boxed order of 1/21/11 ???

The discs are NOT numbered. Why can't it be as simple as - send me your broken disc 2 of 3/22/90 while we send you the replacement??

This is undoubtedly the best box set I have ever purchased. I just got the box today and just got done going through everything and it is awesome. Looks like to me a lot of thought and detail went into this and I thank everyone who had something to do with the making of this box set. For me this was worth every penny of the money that was spent on it and that this should be how all box sets are presented in the future. Great job and two thumbs up.

Frunobulax for the center of the universe maybe you should look in the mirror. Some people think their perspective is the only way to look at life. Let me explain. Some people are what are called collectors. Doesn't matter what stamps coins beanie babies whatever. It's irrelevant what you think of the items only what the collector thinks (one man gathers what another man spills). Now the numbers. For some collectors (most?) the lower the number on limited editions the more valuable (again irrelevant if you don't think so you clearly aren't a collector in the sense I am using it). I ordered within 15 min. of it going online and got # 6147. Luckily for me the number isn't really that important. And yes they could easily give the early birds the lower numbers other collectables do it all the time. The community is made up of all kinds of people with many interests. Some pick and choose the shows they but, some buy them all. To think your way is the only way is mistaken

Like both Bnewton and ziggybirds, I have purchased tons of Cd's, litterly more than a few thousand. In 30 years I probably have had less then 10 bad discs. I don't think I ever got one cracked. The person assembling these sets, if hand assembled, probably forced the disc on the digi pack spindle. That's my guess. From what a gather from reading the Europe 72 thread, dealing with Dr. Rhino for replacements can be a pain in the neck. Still, I'm giving them the benefit that they will be accountable and I'll get some kind open communication from them in a timely manner and a resolution.
Digging into some more shows this afternoon though. Loving the box!

I was impressed seeing the box yesterday. Under promise and over deliver, its a good strategy. I paid $13 for standard shipping and received it in 2 days. I'm not sure it matters which method you pay for, it probably all goes the same way. My only complaint is the USPS beat up one of corners. I ordered the first days and received a number in the high 7000s. I loved the extras.

I'm in my 40s, but oly discovered the GD a couple of years ago, but have managed to picked up a lot of the backlist, including all but 8 of the dicks picks, all the road trips, but I am missing the 69 Fillmore box set.

On ebay, I saw a limited box set of a GD, Allman Brothers concert. I'm wondering what others think of it.

I was impressed seeing the box yesterday. Under promise and over deliver, its a good strategy. I paid $13 for standard shipping and received it in 2 days. I'm not sure it matters which method you pay for, it probably all goes the same way. My only complaint is the USPS beat up one of corners. I ordered the first days and received a number in the high 7000s. I loved the extras.

I'm in my 40s, but oly discovered the GD a couple of years ago, but have managed to picked up a lot of the backlist, including all but 8 of the dicks picks, all the road trips, but I am missing the 69 Fillmore box set.

On ebay, I saw a limited box set of a GD, Allman Brothers concert. I'm wondering what others think of it.

This box is beautiful. Hoped I might arrive home to find it waiting, and it was!

Haven't heard a note yet, but the hardcover book is really sweet, some GREAT pictures in it ~ especially Jerry. The tickets are fun, and quite perfect replicas ~ my brother saw the red-tinted Copps one and said, "that's it!, one night was blue and the other night was red." I'll have to bust out my stubs from that tour, but ~ unlike the one here ~ I didn't have mail order tix for Cap Centre. Anyway, being tucked into a tiny little compartment you otherwise wouldn't notice, they're easily ignored if you so choose ~ I like 'em.

Sad to see the Brent tribute at the back of the Europe tour book. I was in Europe that summer, calling home from Prague ~ where phone service then was, wait in line for 20 minutes, then get 3 minutes on the phone, and that's it. My Mom had just told me that "one of the Grateful Dead died." "WHICH ONE?" I asked in excited despair. Before she could answer, my 3 minutes ended. I had to wait in line again, wondering all the way who was gone. When my brother got on and said "Brent," I was absolutely stunned. I think he was the only one I DIDN'T imagine.....

Anyway, gotta say I'm particularly looking forward to 3/30 ~ haven't heard it since the night happened. For some reason, it was always missing from the Archive, and I never had the tape. Wish Crazy Fingers -> Playing from 3/14 was filler on Landover, but David seems to be strongly implying the shows NOT chosen will be released; or they're all prime candidates, at least. Hence the filler only for the Albany show that's otherwise released.

Plenty to listen to for now. I'm fading, too, to quote someone else tonight, but I think I'm going to open the book to page one and pop a disc on....say, "Iko Iko" to start 2nd set Nassau.......?

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